Bill Allowing PA Teachers To Carry Guns Advances

[The issue of how to best keep our schools safe is a very important one, but is having people who are not trained law enforcement officials the answer? PA lawmakers are actively considering allowing guns in schools.]

Legislation that would allow teachers to carry handguns in Pennsylvania schools has advanced in the state legislature, and the issue is predictably raising tempers on both sides.

Senate Bill 383, also known as the School Safety Bill, would give teachers the option of carrying concealed firearms on school property and in the classroom. Detractors of the bill don’t want firearms around children. Defenders, like bill sponsor Sen. Donald White, a Republican representing the 41st District, think that it could protect students from incidents of violence in schools, like mass shootings or stabbings.

“Since I first introduced this proposal, there has been much discussion about what the measure does and how it relates to current Pennsylvania law,” White, who represents Butler, Indiana, and Westmoreland counties, said in a statement. “To be clear, this bill is not about the Second Amendment. It’s about permitting the 500 school districts of this Commonwealth to have greater choices when it comes to protecting our most precious resource – our children.”

The bill would also allow school staff members, like maintenance workers or any administrative employees, to carry firearms.

Gov. Tom Wolf’s press secretary, J.J. Abbott, released a statement on behalf of the governor condemning the legislation. …

Post navigation

Mike “the Gun Guy” Weisser

Exploring Common Ground on Gun ViolenceMarch 3rd, 2018

10days to go.

Common Ground is the Solution™

The mission of Gun Sense Chester County is to foster community well-being by seeking common sense solutions that recognize ALL citizens’ rights and responsibilities in working to reduce gun violence and ensure safe gun ownership.